Writer (On Site – University Center, MI)

Status: Full time, Starting Salary $47,608 – $52,841: Commensurate with Qualifications and Experience

Position Accountabilities and Essential Functions:

The successful candidate must demonstrate experience, skills, and commitment to fostering an environment of belonging, diversity, equity and inclusion in student, faculty and staff.

POSITION SUMMARY:

We’re looking for a talented, curious writer who’s brimming with great ideas to join our talented marketing team. You’ll take the lead on a wide variety of writing projects from advertising copy and web content to magazine articles and scripts. We’re looking for someone who can write for multiple audiences and who has impeccable proofreading skills.

With direction from the Director of Marketing and Media Relations, the position is the primary writer on the team. They will create content for the College, Foundation and President’s Office that conveys and strengthens Delta’s brand and communication strategy. This includes feature articles, advertising copy, electronic newsletters, speeches, web pages and social media posts. The materials must be written for a variety of target audiences across many communication platforms, requiring the ability to write in different styles. This individual will lead projects such as the Foundation e-newsletters, the Journeys magazine and key scripts/speeches.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO THE FOLLOWING:

• Serve as the lead writer within the marketing team. Develop story ideas, write and edit content for the College and Foundation’s promotional materials, which could include: magazines, direct mail, press releases, presentations, emails, videos, speeches, web pages and brochures. Write and manage production of the semi-annual Delta College Foundation news magazine, Journeys, which is mailed to donors and alumni. Work with the President’s Office to write, proofread and prepare speeches, presentations and communications for the President. Suggest new content topics and outlets in response to evolving audiences and markets. Function as the College’s grammar expert striving to safeguard all content is distributed without errors.
• Write and create electronic newsletters to promote Delta College to key audiences. Write messages and post electronic copy to the Delta College website and/or social media sites. Assist the Marketing department in writing maintenance of other public website pages. Write all recruiting copy – viewbooks, brochures and campaign materials. News articles and press releases.
• Develop a network of faculty and staff to identify good student stories, but also work independently to research student and alumni success story candidates. Interview students, alumni and donors to uncover interesting and persuasive stories.
• Proofread letters and biographic sketches of donors for the Foundation’s development efforts. This includes supporting the Graduate Student Award event coordinators by proofreading student biographies for the speech and coordinating with the Foundation Office and Marketing to produce the event program and press release. Support all Foundation Office communication efforts as needed.
• Assist the Director of Marketing with media relations. Serve as a backup to field media inquiries, pitch stories, provide information and coordinate media visits, this will include attending an occasional Board meeting. Assist the Director of Marketing with the Dateline Delta public TV program. Generate story ideas, schedule interviews, conduct (off-camera) interviews, develop and proofread scripts and on-air “supers.”
• Write engaging copy for print and digital advertisements, which may include radio and TV spots, direct mail pieces, brochures and flyers, web pages, digital banner ads, billboards, and other marketing materials designed to increase enrollment.
• Write, edit and publish information for Delta’s financial donors and alumni. This includes writing and managing the semi-annual Delta College Foundation news magazine, Journeys, writing and creating e-newsletters and posting to social media.
• Work with the President’s Office on speeches, presentations and other communications as needed.
• Uncover unique stories. Conduct interviews with students, staff, alumni and friends of Delta. Maintain database of testimonials for use in all media.
• Assist with media relations as needed. Write press releases. Handle inquires.
• Proofread materials developed by college departments, using AP Stylebook and college style guide. Edit and improve content as needed.
• Provide support for other Marketing department projects as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent knowledge and skills, in English, Advertising, Journalism, Communications, Marketing or related area preferred.
• 1 to 3 years of position related experience.
• Ability to write across platforms and audiences.
• Maintain high standards for consistency of messaging, voice and brand.
• Exceptional proofreading and editing skills.

Additional Experiences Considered:

• Professional experience with content management software and social media tools.